Frustrated voters across the country attended "empty chair" town halls this past weekend, expressing their anger at Republican lawmakers who refused to meet with constituents over Trump administration policies.
With growing dissatisfaction over President Donald Trump's policies—particularly billionaire adviser Elon Musk's efforts to slash federal agencies and eliminate government jobs—Republican lawmakers have been advised to avoid town halls during the latest congressional recess, the Daily Beast reported.
Sen @DanSullivan_AK & Rep @NickforAlaska are back in Alaska this week, but they wouldn’t come talk to these constituents tonight.
— Kevin Groh (@kgrohh) March 21, 2025
Not pictured: 300+ people in the overflow outside in the cold.
Retweet to make sure Sullivan and Begich know Alaskans have questions! @907Initiative pic.twitter.com/mHnJIvGSW9
Many GOP representatives and senators have been accused of choosing to meet with lobbyists or attend private fundraisers instead, leaving constituents feeling ignored. In response, activists across the country organized events where lawmakers were invited but failed to show up, sparking widespread outrage.
Standing room only + overflow room @ Indivisible Empty Chair Town Hall for @repdarrellissa. He’s a no show & his constituents are ANGRY. We’re in a constitutional crisis & we need reps who will fight back! pic.twitter.com/vXAnPYEcYU
— Gladys Delgadillo (@Woman4Wildlife) March 23, 2025
"They've never been here before, why would they be here now? They're no-shows. They're interested in Trump and Elon, they're not interested in us," a resident told Indiana outlet WPTA.
Throughout the weekend, packed town halls took place in red and swing states, with voters directing their fury at empty chairs meant to represent their absent representatives.
Despite public outcry, many Republican lawmakers remain dismissive of the protests. A spokesperson for Rep. Jim Banks called the town halls "fake" in a statement to WPTA and accused attendees of suffering from "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
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